I disagree with the idea that volunteer work should be mandatory for students. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, let us consider private time. Volunteer work shouldn't be forced. If students have no choice but to do volunteer work, they might develop negative feelings toward volunteer work. Even if it's a good experience for students, they should be able to spend their private time doing something they like.

Secondly, I'll talk about education. If the volunteer work is part of study, it will reduce their study time. Less time spent studying means their grades might decrease. Students should focus more on studying core subjects to improve basic academic skills. Volunteer work can be done anytime, but learning is most effective when people are students.

Because of these reasons, I believe that volunteer work must not be compulsory for students.

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2

I agree with the idea that teenagers should avoid using Social Networking Services（SNS）.I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, SNS adversly affects education. Teenager tend to spend a lot of time on SNS rather than on studies. If students don't use SNS, they can concentrate on school work and teachers don't have to devote time to classroom management. This also means students who don't use SNS aren't impacted by other students use of SNS.

Secondly, teenagers bully or treat each other badly sometimes SNS only amplifies bullying so the victim cannot escape. The victim experiences bad mental-health, trauma and might commit suicide in the worst case scenario. Therefore if SNS use is reduced, the percentage of bullying might become lower and personal relationships can improve.

Because of these reasons, I believe that teenagers must refrain from using SNS.

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3

I agree with the idea that people should not know too many detail about the private lives of public figures like celebrities or athletes. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, famous people also have the right to protect their privacy, just like anyone else. Paparazzi are obstrusive because they stalk, chase and secretly take pictures and video of celebrities. This is very stressful and uncomfortable. But if famous people have more privacy, they can lead more normal lives.

Secondly, I think there's no value in information from gossip. Gossip often contains untrue and pointless information. Gossip may temporarily satisfy the curiousity of people, but can amplify negative feelings like jealousy and anger. But if don't gossip, people can focus more on factual and important news and events.

Because of these reasons, I believe that people must avoid knowing about the private lives of public figures too much.

I agree with the idea that high school students should wear a school uniform.

I have two reasons to support my opinion.

Firstly, I will talk about educational effects. Wearing normal clothes can be distracting. But wearing a uniform can encourage students to concentrate on their studies. Furthermore, they can feel like they are part of the school. It also helps prepare them for their future jobs, where a dress code is typical.

Secondly, let us consider cost. If there is no uniform, students have to buy their own clothes. Teenagers typically like showing off, so they might spend much money on clothes. It might also encourage bullying based on what students wear. But uniforms can help students spend less money on clothes.

Because of these reasons, I believe that school uniforms must be mandatory for high school students.

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5

I agree with the idea that public places should have more security cameras. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, security cameras can prevent crimes just by being there. If cameras are not installed in businesses then criminals will feel encouraged to commit a crime. But often times, criminals have a lower chance to commit a crime, when they know they are watched.

Secondly, cameras have multiple uses. They help identify criminals easily. For example, they also create a video log of traffic accidents, which make police aware of who's at fault in a car crash. They provide usuful evidence for a lawyer deciding a verdict.

Because of these reasons, I believe that we must consider installing security cameras in more locations around cities.

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6

I agree with the idea that Japan should allow more immigrants into the country. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, immigrants will help Japan increase its workforce. Japan's low birth rate remains very low and a main cause for the shortage of Japan's workforce. It is inevitable for Japan to allow more immigrants into to the country to make up for Japan's decreasing population.

Secondly, allowing immigrants to enter the Japan helps increase tax revenue. The Japanese government has accumulated a deficit mainly because of its staggering economy and its aging population. Immigrants are usually young and they work and spend money in Japan. If there are more of these immigrants, they will greatly contributo to tax revenue.

Because of these reasons, I believe that Japan must allow more immigrants into the country.

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7

I disagree with the idea that online courses are as effective as traditional classes. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, in general online courses' costs are lower than traditional classes. Traditional classes' costs are very expensive, so people can't attend easily. But online courses are cheaper than traditional classes, so many people can afford an education. Online courses also don't need people to use transport, which saves costs.

Secondly, let us consider flexibility. Traditional classes need people to gather at a specific time and place. If people are busy, like office workers, then it is difficult for them to attend traditional classes. However people can attend online courses whenever it is convenient for them. It is easy fot them to plan their learning schedule.

Because of these reasons, I believe that online courses are more effective than traditional classes.

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8

I disagree with the idea that fewer Japanese students are interested in other countries these days. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, I will talk about the internet. In the past, it was difficult for Japanese students to get information about other countries. But now, because of the internet, Japanese people can easily access information from around the world. This increases their interest in other countries and their cultures and ideas.

Secondly, let us consider foreign products. Several years ago, cell phones which were one of the most familiar household appliances among young people were almost all Japanese. But nowadays many smart phones are foreign products which might make many Japanese students want to learn about other countries.

Because of these reasons, I believe that more Japanese students are interested in other countries lately.

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9

2015年 12月発表 サンプル問題

TOPIC Agree or disagree: Small, independent shops and businesses can survive in modern society.

POINTS ● Cost ● Customer service ● The economy ● Traditional skills

I disagree with the idea that small, independent shops and businesses can survive in modern society. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, let us consider costs. Since large companies are capable of purchasing quantities of materials, they are usually able to produce and sell their independent shops and businesses don't have ample funds. So they cannot compete in this situation.

Secondly, I'll talk about customer service. I think large companies' customer service is better than smaller companies' one because large companies can employ many people around the world and offer customer services over long hours. However small, independent shops and businesses only have employees locally and can only offer customer services during business hours in general.

Because of these reasons, I believe that small, independent shops and businesses are not able to survive in contemporary society.

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10

I agree with the idea that the Japanese companies need to improve their treatment of female workers. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, many female workers quit their job to raise their children. If Japanese companies don't improve their treatment of female workers, this situation will not be solved. But if Japanese companies provide more child care centers at the workplace, female workers can work easily.

Secondly, in general female workers' salary is lower than male workers' one. If the salary is not even for male and female, female workers' motivation for work will not rise. However if female workers' salary is equal to male workers' salary, female workers work hard and the percentage of female workers in management positions will increase.

Because of these reasons, I believe that Japanese companies improve the environment for female workers.

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11

2017年度10月実施

I agree with the idea that Japanese government should do more to protect the environment.I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, when an alien species invades an environment with endangered species, they compete for resources and can threaten endangered species existence. Without government protection, endangered species would disappear. However the government can exterminate alien species and restrict developed to protect endangered species.

Secondly, climate change leads to extreme weather and increased economic costs. For example, warmer temperatures and floods cause a decrease in agricultural production. Less crops mean more expensive prices for consumers. In contrast, the government can protect the environment by in causing CO2 regulation and thus decreasing climate change and economic costs.

Because of these reasons, I believe that the government must pay attention to protecting the environment.

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12

2016年度6月実施

TOPIC Agree or disagree: The number of young people who live with their parents after they finish their education will increase in the future. POINTS ● Convenience ● Cost of living ● Personal freedom

● Safety

I agree with the idea that the number of young people who live with their parents after they finish their education will increase in the future. I have two reasons for this.

Firstly, living together is more economical than living seperately. Living seperately means that utilities and rent must be paid by oneself. If young people live with their parents, living expenses can be shared. This situation helps young people because many young people don't have much money and don't have stable jobs.

Secondly, living alone is risky, especially for young women. For example, young women living alone can become stalking victims because there is no one to protect them. But living with their parents can be safer because their parents can support them when they are in danger.

Because of these reasons, I believe that more young people will live with their parents in the future.